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Impact LevelMedium
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Scope LevelNational
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Last Update2025-08-13
Key Impacts
Positive Impacts (11)
Event Overview
The launch of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket for a national security mission highlights advancements in military space capabilities and the strategic reliance on commercial aerospace partnerships. This event underscores the growing integration of private-sector launch systems into defense operations, emphasizing reliability and technological readiness in securing orbital assets for national interests.
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United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur Rocket Launches First National Security Mission for U.S. Space Force
United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its Vulcan Centaur rocket on its first-ever national security mission for the United States Space Force. The mission, designated USSF-106, lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, at 8:35 a.m. EDT (1235 UTC) on Monday, after four previous launch attempts were scrubbed.
The 198-foot-tall Vulcan Centaur rocket was equipped with four solid-fuel strap-on boosters to provide extra thrust during liftoff. Its two methane-fueled BE-4 engines ignited to provide the main propulsion for departure from the pad. This was the first Vulcan launch since the vehicle was certified by the U.S. Space Force in late March.
The USSF-106 mission carried two satellite payloads, including an experimental military satellite. The launch marked ULA’s first operational use of Vulcan in support of a Space Force mission.
With the ignition at 8:35 a.m. EDT, the Vulcan Centaur ascended from the Cape Canaveral site, marking a major milestone for both ULA and the Space Force’s National Security Space Launch program.